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Poems of Message 
AND Song 



Fr^A ^CONNERS 

[THE PASTOR-POET] 



COPYRIGHT 1912 BY AUTHOR 



PERKINS BROS. CO. 
SIOUX C ITY 






TO MY WIFE 
^mma ^colla 

Who, in the seven ^ears of our mutual 
Minislry has labored with untiring zeal 
and has never compromised any portion of 
Tjruth or sacrificed any Christian principle 
for personal safet}) or for professional 
popularity, this little book '* affe£lionately 
dedicated. 

'Che JJuthor 



lu f 



FOREWORD 

l|AVING read a number of 
'^' [ the short poems contained 
in this book, and having 
known the author for the pa^ 
twelve years, it gives me great 
pleasure to commend both the 
author and his produdions to all. 

Mr. Conners is an earned, 
loyal and efficient Miniver of the 
Gospel. In all his work he is 
dominated by a burnmg desire to 
help people to live noble, useful 
and Chri^-like lives. 

To this high end moil of 
his poems have been written. 

W. "U. Stackhouse 



THE DISCIPLES' PRAYER IN RHYME 



/T\ GOD of Heaven, three in one, 
Vj ^ Thy name most hallowed be : 
O may Thy will by men be done 
On land and on the Sea ; 
So shall 1 hy Kngdom come, and then 
The Son of God shall reign with men. 

Give us. Thy cieatures, daily bread. 
As Thou cur needs dolh see, 
1 ha' all Thy people mey be fed 
Who put their trust in Thee; 
And too forgive our every sin. 
As we forgive our fellow-men. 

Lead us rot in the tempter's way, 

But by Thy Grace deliver 

Each trusting soul from day to day, 

And keep us faithful ever; 

And to Him be all glo.y given. 

Who intercedes for us in Heaven. 



A NEW YEAR RESOLUTION 

3N this New Year I am resolved 
To my best self be true, 
In all that I shall undertake, 
To speak or plan or do. 
If I with others cannot agree 
In what they do or say, 
I'll still be true to my best self. 
And differ honestly. 

I may find in the end I'm wrong, 

if so I'll then confess. 

And if they hat2 I'll not hate back. 

And when they curse I'll bless. 

1 shall remember I'm but a man. 

And will always endeavor. 

To myself and my God be true, 

horever and forever. 

I'll try in others to see the good. 

As through this world I go. 

And manifest a brother's love. 

Alike to friend and foe. 

When trouble and tempations come, 

I'll try still to be cheerful; 

A.mid the gloom I'll brave the fight. 

And not be faint or fearful. 

In short, I'll try to rule myself. 
Amid life's ills appalling. 
And always seek the Saviour's Grace 
lo keep my feet from falling; 
And whether the world applaud or hiss, 
Th? people curse or bless, 
I'll always to the wrong say "No," 
And lo the right say "Yes." 

— S— 



THE CHURCH OF CHRIST 



fT'O Thee, our God and Father, 
yl^ Our joyful voices raise, 
And for the Church of Jesus 
We give Thee grateful praise; 
Through it Thou art declaring 
The name of names above. 
And by it we are hearing 
1 he glories of Thy love. 

We praise Thee for descending 
From Heaven's highest dome. 
To show^ Thy love for sinners. 
In the person of Thy Son; 
Who shed His blood to free us 
From the curse and blight of sin; 
And Thou did'st crown with glory 
The work of Christ our King. 

If all redeemed in Jesus, 
Who bow before His feet, 
Would waft it on the breezes. 
And would talk it on the streets 
The name of Christ, the Saviour, 
Then the Angels would rejoice 
At the host of sinners turning, 
Making Jesus Christ their choice. 

Let us renounce the darkness 
That would our hearts enslave. 
And now rejoice in Jesus, 
The mighty one to save. 



—9— 



As we His grace inherit, 
Let us His name confess, 
1 hat we His blessed Spirit 
In service may possess. 

And O, most gracious Father, 
Wilt Thou now hear our plea. 
And make the Church of Jesus 
\V nat she really ought to be; 
O bless our feeble efforls. 
Accept the praise we bring. 
And glorify forever 
The Church of Christ our King. 



"THY KINGDOM COME" 



Vy^ E pray "O Lord Thy Kingdom Come, 
^\^ 'Most every time we pray, 
But are we doing all we can 
lo hasten on the day? 

In Songs we sing, "Thy Kingdom Come," 

The music is so sweet. 

But do we of our earthly store 

Cast aught at Jesus' feet? 

We talk so much "Thy Kingdom Com*"," 
And fail so much in doing. 
That of that day we'll never see. 
While in this course pursuing. 

So let us seek "Thy Kingdom come," 
And labor as we pray ; 
We then will see "Thy will be done," 
And hail the joyful day. 

— 10— 



THE JOURNEY OF LIFE 



/r\. BROTHER heavy laden, 
vLy Do you ever stop to say 
That in spite of heavy burdens 
And the roughness of the way, 
You can trust the blessed Saviour 
In His promise to sustain. 
And the things ihat seem but losses 
Will one day be your gain? 

Here we have our trials and crosse.;.. 
As the Master said we would. 
Here we have our gains and losses. 
It's intended that we should; 
But His i)roiiiiie is still with us 
If we seek His will to do — 
He will guide, protect and keep us. 
And will bring us safely through. 

For the road we're called to travel 
Is the road the Master trod ; 
It's the road of trials and crosses, 
But it leads us up to God 
So with heart and hand united 
We will labor and we'll pray. 
And we'll surely be rewarded 
On the resurrection day. 

Now I know He never changes. 
And His love is still the same ; 
So I'm going to trust in Jesus, 
And I'll praise Flis blessed name 
Till he calls me home to Glory, 
In His presence to abide. 
And I'll join the Angel chorus, 
"Safe at home on Canaan's side." 

—11— 



DEATH'S AWFUL SWEEP 



a HALF a million souls each day 
Death brings lo early graves. 
By gun, and knife and alcohol, 
Earthquake and tidal wave. 

Hot lava bursting from ths hills, 
Explosions in the mines. 
Auto smash-ups on the roads. 
And train wrecks on the lines. 

Fire, too, its victims claim, 

A thousand in a day ; 

Rivers, Lakes and Ocean-waves, 

Make men their constant prey. 

Lightning Hashing East and West, 
Hailstone, Snow and Rain, 
Cyclones in their fury sweep 
Buildings, stock and grain. 

War IS raging everywhere. 
On land and on the sea. 
Cannon roar and bugle call 
Make dreadful melody. 

From whence, Lord, have these evils come? 
Or where did they begin? 
We trace them to the fall of man, 
Fhey are the fruits of sin. 

And where Lord will these evils cease? 
Or when shall we be free? 
INot till we pass the veil of death. 
And rest in peace with Thee. 

—12— 



LIFE AS A SCHOOL 



iC'IFE here below is but a school, 
^^ And in it, too, you'll find this rule. 
That as the years shall come and go. 
You of the good will only know 
As you have willed to see it. 

No life is real to him who dreams, 
And takes the thing just as it seems. 
And never for himself inquires 
From whence the smoke or where the ft: 
But takes all things for granted. 

If in this life we would succeed, 
Then let us strive some noble deed 
1 o render those with whom we meet 
In the office, or on the street. 
For life IS what you make it. 

We've only one life to invest. 
So let us strive to do our best, 
While time and opportunity is given. 
That we at last may meet in Heaven — 
Eternity is what you make it. 



SWEARING 



SWEARING is the language of demons; 
It will be time enough for you to learn it 
When you have decided to join their ranks, 
And make the place of their abode your home, 
And its inhabitants your companions. 



1 o 

— io- 



CONQUERING FAITH 



0FOR a Faith that will not fail 
In life's most trying hour, 
That humbly bows before the throne 
Of the Almighty power. 

A Faith that will not be denied, 
But takes each promise given. 
And makes of it a stepping stone 
To lead the soul to Heaven. 

Such is the Faith that God desires. 
And always is rewarded — 
1 hat of the three cast in the fire. 
As in His word recorded. 

This is the Faith that honors God, 
And magnifies His Son — 
1 hat owns the virtues of His blood 
And proves them every one. 



DELUSIONS 



^ELUSIONS are the devil's dope 

■^y With which to whitewash and soft soap. 

That he may lead men in the way 

Of death and hell from day to day. 

His every genuis he displays. 

Directed in a thousand ways. 

To keep the troubled conscience still. 

And lead them captive at his will. 

—14— 



HELP SOMEONE TODAY 



**^\0 you know of a heart that is weary, 
-^^ That a word of love might cheer? 
1 here are many such hearts about us. 
And it may be one is near. 
Look around and you may find one 
Who needs just the help you can give — 
Don't wait until men are dying 
To tell them of how they should live. 

It may be that someone is waiting 
On eternity's awful brink, 
And a word from you might save them. 
Or cause them on Jesus to think; 
Look around you then, my brother. 
Speak to those you meet by the way. 
Tell them of Jesus, the Saviour. 
And try to help someone each day. 

Never think kind words are wasted, 
If in Jesus' blest name they are said — 
By casting your bread on the waters. 
The wrecked on life's Sea may be fed; 
Speak a word to the lost and the straying. 
And tell them of Jesus' great love 
Remember in this you're obeying 
The voice of your Master above. 



TIME 

^piME had its birth when God began 
^*.^ The work of earth's creation; 
Time has its end to every man 
In earthly separation. 

—15— 



LIFE'S LESSONS 



£ORD I would sit at Thy dear feet, 
And learn "Life's Lessons" pure and sweet, 
Which make me for Thy service mete, 
My Saviour and my God. 

And I would climb to heights so blest. 
That I my weary head might rest 
Upon my dear Redeemer's breast, 
My Saviour and my God. 

Yes, higher still, my Lord, than this. 
E'en to Thy brow to press one kiss — 
With Thee to dwell in perfect bliss. 
My Saviour and my God. 

1 hus to behold Thee face to face, 
Held in Thy tenderest embrace. 
For I'm a sinner saved by Grace, 
My Saviour and my God. 

Teach me, O Lord, from day to day, 
Guide me in all I do and say. 
That I Thy Holy will obey. 
My Saviour and my God. 



UNERRING FAITH 



^T* HOUGH clouds may rise 
Vi,*' To hide His face. 
And darkness veil between, 
I'll own His word. 
And trust His grace. 
And on His promise lean. 

.—16— 



AN EASTER ODE 



0LET ihe joy of Heaven today 
Be shed upon our earthly way. 
Since Christ our Lord has risen; 
Out of the pit of death He came, 
The subject of our guilt and shame. 
His life so freely given. 

All our guilt on Him was laid. 

All our debt by Him was paid. 

He died that we might live ; 

Such was the way that He should go. 

For by our sin we made it so. 

That He His life should give. 

The gloomy grave could never hold 
Him who was thus by sinners sold. 
For He was God incarnate; 
The power of satm thus was spent, 
For all who will of sins repent. 
E'en though they be as garnet. 

All glory unto Him be given. 
Who intercedes for us m Heaven, 
His name we will adore; 
He is our Prophet, Priest and King, 
Unto His cross we'll ever cling. 
And praise Him evermore. 

In His victory we rejoice, 

As we sing with heart and voice, 

Glory to His name. 

Till this life on earth shall cease. 

And our souls arrive in peace. 

Ever be the same. 

—17— 



VANITY FAIR 



't^'^E had a fair not long ago, 

•CV^ Which, some declared a grand success^ 

I don't think God was honored though. 

It was irreverent I confess; 

But was the fair really a sin. 

Or did we thus our spirits smirch? 

For, don't you know, the Fair brough in. 

Some eighty dollars to the Church. 

Some were shocked as you may know. 
Some feelings stirred to bitterness. 
And I have wondered if that show 
The Church did really curse or bless; 
But some will say, it was no sin. 
And that the Preacher's on his perch — 
For, don't you know, the Fair brought in. 
Some eighty dollars to the Church. 

Now let us figure up the cost 
Of such a Fair in toil and strife. 
And of the time that we have lost. 
And too the Doctor's bill for wife; 
fhen ask ourselves if it does pay. 
As we the question truly search. 
In light of Truth and Judgment Day, 
With eighty dollars for the Church. 



-18— 



THE THREE SISTERS OF TIME 

Or The Past, The Present, and The Future. 



^T"HE past is gone, ne'er to return, 

Vii^ Though memories we retain 

Of noble deeds, or kindly words. 

Or sms of blackest stam ; 

Yet we can ne'er recall the past. 

For yesterday, you see. 

Has passed forever from our sight, 

The first of sisters three. 

The present is ihe time you see. 
By God to mortals given. 
In which to find the path of life. 
Which leads from earth to Heaven; 
Procrastination is the thief 
That steals our time away — 
His time is always yet to come, 
God's time is now, today. 

The future holds in store for man 

His choice of good or ill ; 

Thus we may know the plan of God 

By exercise of will ; 

The blessed token of His love 

To mortal man is given ; 

Who seeks on earth His will to know 

May find a home in Heaven. 



—19— 



IOWA FOR CHRIST 



t^ERE the people of God are assembled, 
^l For to labor, to plan and to pray. 
That the boys and the girls of our na.ion 
May be led in the Heavenly way. 

Chorus 

"Iowa for Christ," be our watch-word. 
Let us sing it with might and with main. 
And with love to the Lord and His children. 
All evil pursuits we refrain. 

Let us earnestly pray that the Master, 
Who knows ever thought, word and deed. 
May be present to guide by His Spirit, 
And give us the blessings we need. 

Let us thank Him for love and for mercy. 
For Grace so abundant and free. 
And strive by the aid of His Spirit, 
More faithful in Jesus to be. 

Let us pledge then anew our devotion. 
More closely to Christ let us cling. 
And in love let us labor together, 
"Iowa for Christ," let us sing. 



—20—. 



LOVE DIVINE 



£OVE is the grace that swells the heart. 
And makes its music grand. 
That echoes back the melody 
Of Heaven's bordsr-land. 

Where love controls, life is itself 
One endless hope and cheer. 
And by its charm is banished sm. 
With every doubt and fear. 

Where love is strong our task is light, 
Whate'er that task may be; 
Such was the gift of God in Christ, 
Who paid the debt for m.e. 

All I can think, or say, or do. 
Apart from love Divine, 
Can never free my soul from sin. 
Or make that Saviour mine. 

Love is the law's fulfilling grace 
That meets our every need. 
That is supplied in Christ the Lord, 
His grace alone I plead. 

To me to live, said Paul, is Christ. 
To die. Immortal gain ; 
But what is life without that love? 
It is to live in vain. 



-21- 



HAPPINESS 



t:^APPINESS is that in the soul 
•^/ That drives away our fear. 
And reconciles us to our lot. 
And brings us peace and cheer. 
That happiness must come from God, 
The source of every good. 
Who doth protect us day by day. 
And give us daily food. 

No man is happy in his sin, 

For that he could not be — 

Sin doth itself imply unrest. 

And wretched misery ; 

Thus to be happy we must have 

Our every sin forgiven ; 

That pardon gives to you and me 

An entrance to Heaven. 

So if you would be happy here. 

And in the world to come. 

You must renounce your every sin. 

The Saviour seek and own; 

For by His blood He paid the debt 

P rom sin to set us free. 

And in Him here we happy are. 

And evermore shall be. 



THIS CHRISTMAS DAY 



Y^AHEN Christ was born in Bethlehem, 

V-C^ The greatest blessing came to men 

This world has ever seen; 

He came in God's appointed time. 

He was the messenger Divine. 

The Christ of God, who came to save. 
His life for sinners freely gave. 
That He might save from sin; 
For us His blood He freely shed, 
And wore the thorns upon His head. 

O let us on this "Christmas Day" 
From our hearts most freely say. 
He is our Priest and King; 
And as we love so may we live, 
Our lives in service freely give. 

O may each Chris mas thsn remind 
Us of God's gift to all mankind. 
When Jesus Christ was born; 
Help us to live that we may be 
With Him through all eternity. 



THE HISTORY OF MY EDUCATION 

[The author was once asked to write an es- 
say on the history of his education, when )ie 
penned the following lines as an introduc- 
tion.] 



HOT of my life will I history relate. 
But merely of time, of village, and state. 
Of the knowledge acquired by me when at school 
To prevent me from being a dunce and a fool. 



THE LORD'S DAY 



'KY^E would oSserve, O Lord most high, 
■C-V/ This day that Thou hast given — 
A day of rest and worship too, 
The best day of the seven. 

This is the day our Master rose 
Victorious from the dead. 
And, too, the day the Apostles met 
To worship and break bread. 

Help us when thus we read again 
The old familiar story. 
That we may see more clear to view 
His Resurrection Glory. 

We have no more the Sabbath day, 

For we have reached I he summit — 

The Lord's own Resurrection Day, 

And now we rest upon it. 

Col. 2:14-17; 



NOW'S THE TIME 



nOT of the future should we dream. 
And what we're going to do. 
Nor of the yesterday's unseen. 
And what we have passed through; 
But in the present act and think. 
And make our lives to rhyme 
With what our hands may find to do. 
And do it "Now's the time." 

—24— 



SPEINGTIME 



7^ HE glad Springtime has come again, 
vi^ With its bright sunshine and showers. 
To melt away the winter's snow. 
And give us grass and flowers. 
And fill the air with music sweet 
From little birds that sing. 
And everything in nature speaks 
To tell us it is spring. 

The buds are bursting on the trees, 

As nature stoops to don 

Her robes of green on every bush. 

And carpets on the lawn ; 

The new-born blossoms scent the air. 

And everything is sweet — 

The sun in glittering rays above. 

The grass beneath our feet. 

We welcome thee, glad Springtime, here 

In resurrection power. 

Restoring life and beauty, too. 

In every tree and flower; 

With each recurring season 

Comes whispers from above, 

In nature's many voices. 

Declaring "God is Love." 



-25— 



TO THE EVANGELISTIC BAND 

At Woodstock College, of which the Author 
was once a member. 



'>;;^OYS at Woodstock, Christian workers, 
■^^ With a love that's deep and s'.rong 
I am sending you this greeting, 
In the assumption of a song. 

In hiy fancy I'm still with you. 
Heart and soul with rapture glow. 
And I hear the chorus swelling, 
As we sang it years ago. 

How my heart was often gladdened 
When some anxious soul would rise 
And confess his blessed Saviour, 
Seeking mansions in the skies. 

And I know your hearts are lighlened 
by the victories you have won. 
As you still proclaim the message, 
Victory through God's Only Son. 

Thus be true, your faith maintaining 
In the Christ of God that saves — 
While we're seeking, men are dying. 
Going down to Christless graves. 

May the Lord reward your efforts 
In the souls for hire given. 
And a train of witness follow 
On their way from earth to Heaven. 

When at last we meet in Glory, 
And our trials and labors o'er. 
We shall join the Angel chorus. 
Praising Him forevermore. 

— 2ij— 



HEART QUESTIONS 



a RE you a Christian? in this O be true 
Do you measure your Hfe by His Word? 
Have you followed your Lord in Baptism, too. 
As the voice of the Spirit you've heard? 

Are you growing in grace as the days come and go? 
Are you walking by Faith in the way? 
Are you living each day that the people may know 
That you do as you preach or you pray? 

Are you meeting your Church obligations? 
Are you trying your part there to do? 
Do you manifes' Christ m your station 
As the Spirit reveals Him to you? 

If so, let your heart be rejoicing. 
No matter what critics may say. 
And you will receive the glad welcome 
When we meet on that glorious day. 

"Come ye blessed of my Father, 
Inherit the Kingdom prepared for you. 
From the foundation of the world." 



THE VOICE OF GOD 



HOT on the sunlit hill. 
Nor in the shaded glen. 
Nor on the calm and peaceful sea. 
Nor in the running stream. 
But in the conscious mind of man. 
With slow and steady train. 
The voice of God that wakes the dead. 
Floods heart, and soul, and brain. 



THE HOUR OF PRAYER 



/C"AN any hour be more sweet, 
>wFrom early morn I ill evening star. 
Than that which calls me to Thy feet. 
The blessed hour of Prayer? 

Blest is the hour that finds me there. 
Be it morning, noon or night. 
Bowing before Thy throne in Prayer. 
The place where saints delight. 

Thanks unto God of Heaven most high. 
For ever insti'.uting. 

Such means whereby poor guilty man 
May come his soul refreshing. 

O Saviour, blessed Son of God, 
Help me Thy name confessing. 
And ever at the throne of grace 
Great faith in Thee posessing. 



JESUS SOUGHT AND FOUND 



3 wandered 'neath the shades of night. 
My heart was black with sin. 
The peace I sought I ne'er could find 
Till Jesus took me in. 

I came to Jesus and I found 

His promises were true. 

And now my heart with joy abounds, 

For He's my ELIHU. 

—28— 



A PRAYER TO THE HOLY GHOST 



,r'OME, Holy Ghost, Almighty power, 
>i^ Be near me m the temptmg hour, 
And speak m tenderest tones to me. 
That I may always follow Thee. 

Keep me humble day by day. 
Guide me in all I do and say. 
That I may live the life sublime. 
My guide and comforter Divine. 

O Holy Ghost, Thou Heavenly Dove, 
Do Thou reveal the Father's Love, 
The conscience smite that dares to sin. 
The penitent to woo and win. 

guide me all along the way. 
Renew Thy blessings day by day, 
That when my days on earth shall cease 
My soul shall dwell with Thee in peace. 

1 then will sing in songs of love 
In my Father's house above, 

Fhe song of Moses and the Lamb, 
Worthy is His Holy name. 



-29—- 



THE BELIEVER'S ASSURANCE 

Matthew 6: 



a DAY at a time is the way we should hve; 
It's plain in His word that's the way; 
No thought for tomorrow we ever should give — 
There's evil enough for each day. 

The grass in the field, that today is so green, 
Tomorrow the oven may bear. 
The care of our Father m the lily is seen. 
No glory with which can compare. 

His protection and care we may have if we seek 
His Kingdom on earth here to know. 
His grace He bestows on the humble and meek 
Who the pleasures of sin will forego. 

His blessing and love is assured unto all 
Who seek here His law to fulfill; 
His ear He has promised shall hear every call. 
And His presence abides with us still. 

i)o what need we fear, though the way may be rough. 
And our boat may be driven and tossed — 
We have His own promise, and that is enough, 
That in Jesus no soul can be lost. 

To the faithful at last a crown will be given 
Unto all who the cross here will bear. 
And we shall be gathered at last unto Heaven, 
His glories forever to share. 



-30— 



HE'S YOUR FRIEND 



3F you are weary and sore distressed, 
Look unto Jesus, He is your rest. 
He it is who knows you best — 
He's your Friend. 

His Grace will meet your every need. 
He will prove a friend indeed. 
He for you will intercede — 
He's your Friend. 

Cast on Him your every care. 
Tell Him of your needs in Prayer, 
He will keep from every snare — • 
He's your Friend. 

Trust in Him from day to day. 
He will keep you all the way. 
He will never say you nay — 
He's your Friend. 

When the trials of life are o'er. 
And you've reached the golden shore. 
His name you'll sing forevermore — 
He's your Friend. 



-31- 



"BE NOT WEARY IN WELL-DOING" 

■>! E not weary in well-doing. 

■**-^ Though the way seem hard and steep; 

If you faint not in pursuing. 

In the end you'll surely reap. 

Jesus knows the way is dreary. 
He Himself has gone before. 
And for those whose hearts are weary 
He has Grace enough m s'.ore. 

Look to Jesus then, my brother, 
As you journey on life's way. 
Trust in Him, for there's no other 
\^ho can keep you every day. 

And the end is surely nearing. 
Though I's trace you may not see, 
For the time of man's appearmg 
Stiort is to eternity. 

Let us then be up and domg 
What we know to be the right. 
Still our course in Faith pursuing 
In the strength of Heaven's might. 

When at last our journey's ended, 
And we've reached our home to stay. 
As we have the Faith defended, 
Heaven's joys will then repay. 



-32- 



PENTECOSTAL POWER 

Acts 2: 



nr ^^^ while they all were praying, 

>C*' United in their call. 
The Holy Ghost descended 
And filled them one and all ; 
And Peter standing forward 
The truth did then disclose. 
Saying, "These are not now drunken. 
As some here may suppose." 

For ten days they had waited, 
In Prayer with one accord. 
To have fulfilled the promise 
Of I heir departed Lord; 
To them whose hearts were saddened 
For Him who went away, 
The Holy Spirit gladdened. 
For He has come to stay. 

Behold the Church of Christ today. 

Like Sampson, power shorn. 

The power Thou did'st on earth display. 

On Pentecostal morn ; 

As Peter did "Repentance" preach. 

And all the people warn. 

And in the Faith of Christ the Lord, 

Three thousand souls were born. 

O Holy Ghost, in power return. 

And never more depart. 

And shed abroad Thy light Divine, 

In every darkened heart; 

Then shall Thy promise be fulfilled 

When we united Pray, 

Then shall Thy people be restored, 

A Nation in a day. 



TRUST HIM 





Prov. 3:5; 


d' 


(UST Him in sickness 


Trust Him in health. 


Trust 


Him in poverty, 


Trust 


Him in wealth. 


Trust 


Him in joy. 


Trust 


Him in sorrow. 


Trust 


Him today. 


And 


trust Him tomorrow. 


Trust 


Him at home, 


Trust 


Him away. 


Trust 


Him at work. 


Trust 


Him at play. 


Trust 


Him at Church, 


Trust 


Him at School, 


Trust 


Him at all times. 


For 


his is the rule. 


Trust 


Him when young. 


Trust 


Him when old. 


Trust 


Him when warm. 


Trust 


Him when cold. 


Trust 


Him when up. 


Trust 


Him when down. 


Trust 


Him when on you 


The 


world seems to frown. 


Trus 


t Him who promised 


All 1 


hings to provide. 


Trus 


t Him whenever 



Earth's ills may betide; 
Trust Him the first, 
And trust Him the last. 
He will reward you 
When life's trials are past. 

—34— 



LIFE, LOVE AND LABOR 



0GOD and Father in Heaven above. 
We lift our voice to Thee, 
Thou art our source of Light and Life, 
And evermore shall be. 

Increase our Faith each day we live, 
In sickness or in health. 
That we may always trust in Thee 
For Heaven's greatest wealth. 

Keep us daily at Thy feet. 

That we may truly be 

Fhe grateful subjects of Thy Love 

Thiough all eternity. 

This is the time of testing Lord, 
Our Faith and love combine. 
And as on earth we do Thy will. 
In heaven above we'll shine. 

So if we would be numbered there 
Among the chosen few. 
We must make Him on earth our choice. 
And seek His will to do. 

So may we here through Grace Divine 
Our lives to Him surrender. 
And daily prove our love to Him, 
Our Saviour and defender. 



55— 



A VOICE WITHIN 

The following- lines were written by the 
author in his study one night. About mid- 
night he laid his books down, much impressed 
with the spirit of the age. 



3 WOULD stay here til daylight 
If only I could write 
A message clear and strong, 
Pointing out to men the wrong 
Of livmg just for self, 
And hoardmg up the pelf, 
Dreammg of some future day 
When they may chance to say. 
Among God's noble free 
They would like some day to be. 

O how foolish, shall I say. 

That men should fool their time away 

In dreaming of some future good 

That they would do, or think they would. 

While time is passing, seize the hour. 

And exercise your every power 

In doing what you find to do. 

While time and privilege favor you. 

Lest in the last you should repent. 

With time and opportunity spent. 



-3(;— 



THE BLESSED ONES 



''V^LESSED are the poor in spirit, 

"^^ The Master softly said; 
To them is Heaven's Kingdom given. 
Through Christ their Hving head. 

Blessed are they too that mourn. 
This promise they are given — 
Although in life their sorrows rise, 
Their comforts come from Heaven. 

Blessed are the meek of earth, 
Such as His promise merit. 
The Son of God Himself hath said 
They shall the earth inherit. 

Blessed are the hungry, too; 

To them the Master willed 

That as they seek the bread of life 

They surely shall be filled. 

Blessed are the merciful; 

Of such the Master said 

His mercy they in turn should have, 

Through Christ their living head. 

"Blessed are the pure in heart," 
And such as seek to be ; 
His faithful here on earth below 
In Heaven His face shall see. 

"Blessed are the peacemakers," 
For they shall be extolled; 



—37- 



The children of the Hving God 
They surely shall be called. 

Blessed are all those of His 

In persecution given ; 

Who stand the tests of life below. 

They shall inherit Heaven. 

Blessed are you when reviled 
In falsehood for your Lord ; 
Rejoice and be exceeding glad. 
For great is your reward. 



NOTES OF WARNING 



^^O doubt IS a sin. 

V^ Then never begin 

This folly that ruins the soul. 

But walk in the light, 

And do with your might. 

And ever make Heaven your goal. 

Of God in His Word 

You often have heard 

From Pulpit and Press and the School ; 

Now if you deny, 

And on riches rely. 

Then you will be classed with the fool. 

For no good can come 
To him who drinks rum. 
And ever from Church stays away. 
For he is a sot. 
And his life is a blot. 
Who never finds time for to Pray. 

—38— 



ELISHA THE PROPHET 



a FLASH from Heaven, a light Divine, 
Shone 'round about him gazing, 
A whirlwind rent the mountain air, 
A messenger amazmg. 

A chariot of fire came. 
By God's sweet Angel driven. 
And pulling it were steeds of flame. 
Which took God's Seer to Heaven. 

"My Father," cried the faithful son. 
With face upturned lo Heaven, 
And on him fell the Seers robe. 
As was the promise given. 

Nor stayed he here, but turning back. 
Came to the Jordan River, 
And with his Mantle did display 
The power of the giver. 

And on he went, this man of God, 
All evil forces quelling. 
Before the Kings of Israel, too, 
God's Prophet, thus foretelling. 

The widow's oil is multiplied 
With such abundant using, 
A Shunamite raised from the dead. 
By God new life infusing. 

Elisha thus to Gilgal came. 
And like the Master fed 

—39— 



A multitude of starving men 
With a few loaves of bread. 

And on he went, this man of God, 
For such was his compassion ; 
Until his end he served his God. 
In this Prophetic fashion. 



A WORD TO THE WISE 



/f"HRISTIANS now are narrow called, 
>ii^ But never mind the name; 
"The way of life," His Word declares, 
Is narrow, strait and plain. 

Just take the Word of God, dear soul. 

Make it your daily food; 

Let not the jeers of sinful men 

Rob you of highest good. 

Seek constantly His will to do. 
In thought and Vv'ord and deed. 
Find time each day to read His Word, 
And let the Spirit lead. 

In expectation live each day 

For your returning Lord, 

And spend much time in fervent Prayer 

And study of the Word. 

So shall your joys on earth increase 
As days and years go by. 
And life will be a foretaste of 
That blessed home on high. 

—40— 



"IT IS FINISHED" 



^THESE words were uttered from the Cross 

V^ By God's eternal Son, 

As there He gave His hfe for us, 

And died the Holy One. 

For three and thirty years He lived 
A life of grief and pain ; 
His sacrifice, in life and death. 
Was our immortal gain. 

Though tried in all points as we are. 
Yet He was spotless pure; 
His life for us a pattern is. 
His death for sin the cure. 

As on the cruel cross He hung 
The mocking mob went by. 
By nodding head and wagging tongue 
Accused Him of a lie. 

They said, "Come down now from the cross— 
This proof from Thee we crave; 
Life to others thou hast restored. 
Thyself thou canst not save." 

How true it was as they had said, 
But not true as they meant, 
For He our Saviour could not be 
Had He His blood not spent. 

For God so loved the world in sin 
That He His Son did give. 
And as in Adam all have died. 
In Jesus all may live. 

—41— 



WORDS OF WELCOME 

To "The Sioux Valley Association." At 
Cherokee, lowa^ June 26, 1912. 

By F. A. Conners, Pastor. 



3N the name of Cherokee Baptists 
Our welcome we extend 
To every Baptist delegate 
And every Baptist friend 
In this great convocation 
As brethren here we meet. 
To sing His fitting praises 
And to wait at Jesus feet. 

As a Christian Association 

We are neither last nor least; 

We have neither Conference, or Presbytery, 

We have neither Pope nor Priest ; 

But we're free and independent, 

On the Word of God we stand. 

And we shout a loud hosanna 

As we march to Canaan's Land. 

Gracious Master, own and bless us 

As we meet from day to day. 

Give us Grace and Faith and Courage, 

And the words we ought to say ; 

May each message be directed 

To the hearts of one and all. 

And in holy consecration 

On our knees before Him fall. 

May our meetings here be blessed 
In the work we undertake. 
May He fill us with His Spirit, 
And unite us for His sake; 

—42— 



Give our Churches great accessions 
Throughout the years to come, 
1 ill He calls us home to Glory, 
Where we'll all be jomed as one. 



MAKE ME, LORD, A MAN 



^ORD, make me in word and deed 

■^ A man to honor Thee, 

A man of justice. Faith and Truth, 

A man of equity; 

Give me the Grace I daily need 

To serve Thy purpose true. 

That I may do each day I live 

The things I ought to do. 

Help me to do Thy sovereign will. 
As in Thy Word revealed. 
That sinners lost be led to Thee, 
And broken hearts be healed; 
So shall my mission be fulfilled 
In life's allotted span. 
Then shall I serve Thy purpose true. 
And truly be a man. 

It is not m the name I take. 
Nor what I claim to be. 
Nor what the people say I am. 
Nor what they think of me; 
Nor where I live, nor what I do. 
Nor whether bond or free. 
But it is what I really am, 
O Lord, my God, in Thee. 

—43— 



PROCRASTINATION 



''■\JEPENT ye now," says Christ the Lord; 

•^V The sinner answers, 'Nay, 
I mean to do that very thing. 
But wait another day; 
I'm but a boy, as well you know. 
There's plenty time for me; 
I will repent before I die. 
And put my trust in Thee. " 

"Believe in me," says Christ the Lord; 

The sinner says, "I will. 

But I am but a youth, you see — 

I'll wait for brother Bill; 

The older ones should take ihe lead. 

As you'll agree they should; 

When brother Bill has made a start. 

Of course then I'll be good. " 

"Come unto me, " says Christ the Lord, 

"And I will give you rest;" 

"I'm but a young man yet, you see, 

I want to go out West ; 

Just wait till I have made a home. 

And settled down in life; 

I'll have more time to think it o'er, 

I'll come then with my wife. 

"Now IS the time," says Christ the Lord, 
Why do you still delay? 
You can't tell what will come to pass 
Before another day ; 



—44— 



Why do you waste this precious time 
That God in love has given. 
In which to seek the Savior's grace 
And fit the soul for Heaven? 

Now as you prize your soul, young man. 

You'd better haste away. 

Lest you be left outside at last, 

Forevermore to stay ; 

By your neglect to seek the Lord 

Your every hope is waived — 

"The harvest past, the summer gone," 

And your soul is not saved. 



REFLECTED REFLECTIONS 



fT'^lS pleasing in these times to see 

V^ Occurrences that show 

The better side of human life 

To those we little know ; 

It is not worth our while to hate. 

To this you will agree. 

For we are but probationers 

For our eternity. 

What if a man has cheated you. 

And proven false and mean? 

The Lord your God, who knoweth all. 

His eye hath surely seen ; 

And on that day He will reward 

The holy, just and right. 

But wicked men shall banished be 

Forever from His sight. 

—45— 



THE GIFT OF SPEECH. 



Yt HERE IS a tendency these days 
Vw Of talking free and flip, 
Till you would think that some had lost 
Control of tongue and lip. 

This blessed gift was given man 
By means of which lo raise. 
In joyful adoration. 
His songs of fitting praise. 

And, too, with God we may converse 
In sweet communion here. 
And as in faith our prayers ascend 
He bows to us His ear. 

Without this blessed gift of speech, 
How could we get along? 
For we could not convey our thoughts 
In message or in song. 

But when we think of the drift 
Of daily conversation. 
And how the gift of speech is used 
In every convocation. 

Then it is that we lament 
That God in every nation 
Gave to man the gift of speech 
Without discrimination. 

Better far if we could have 
Less speech and greater reason. 
That we might thus avoid the sin 
Of intellectual treason. 

—46— 



AN ODE OF WELCOME 

"VA'ritten for Oliristinas ]0\-e. 



W^ EL welcome you this evening here, 
■i»\^ To join us in our Christmas cheer, 
And help us praise His blessed name 
Who once to earth for sinners came; 
Then jom us m our songs of love, 
And praise His name who reigns above. 

With Christmas comes a message clear 

Of God's good-will and Angel's cheer 

As we commemorate the birth 

Of Him who once lived here on earth. 

Let all repeat the glad refrain, 

And Angels shout a loud "Amen." 

From the deep longing of my heart 
I would a Christmas joy impart, 
And point you to that blessed friend 
Who did from earth to Heaven ascend. 
And who now intercedes that we 
May dwell with Him eternally. 

This blessed Christ will come again 
With Heaven's host, on earth to reign; 
The Angel voices then will say, 
"Behold the dawn of Heaven's day " 
With endless love and lasting cheer. 
Will then begin the Christmas year. 

O tarry not, "Good will and peace," 

Thy joys on earth to us increase. 

Till all Thy ransomed Church shall be 

From sin and death forever free 

Let all our Prayers ascend as one. 

To Thee in "Come, Lord Jesus, Come." 

—47— 



TAKE HEED WHAT, WHERE, AND WHEN 



^T'AKE heed what you think, 
^i*- Take haed what you cite, 
Take heed what you read, 
Take heed what you write, 
Take heed what you ask. 
Take heed what you say. 
Take heed what you preach. 
Take heed what you pray. 
Take heed what you give. 
Take heed what you take. 
Take heed what you do. 
Take heed what you make. 
Take heed what you eat. 
Take heed what you drink. 
For wine is a mocker. 
Through which you may sink. 

Take heed where you are. 
Take heed where you go. 
Take heed where you reap. 
Take heed where you sow. 
Take heed where you stand, 
Take heed where you walk. 
Take heed where you write. 
Take heed where you talk. 
Take heed where you stay. 
Take heed where you live. 
Take heed where you take. 



--4S— 



Take heed where you give. 
Take heed where you buy. 
Take heed where you sell, 
Take heed where you are. 
And do everything well. 

Take heed when you come. 
Take heed when you go. 
Take heed when you're high, 
Take heed when you're low. 
Take heed when you're up, 
Take heed when you're down. 
Take heed when you laugh. 
Take heed when you frown, 
Take heed when you doubt, 
Take heed when you're sure, 
Take heed when you're rich. 
Take heed when you're poor. 
Take heed when you're sick, 
Take heed when you're well — 
When troubles will come 
\ ou never can tell. 



CHEISTMAS 



/<" HRISTMAS, what, is the year gone? 

>fc^ Not quite, one week and then it's out of sight; 

And all too soon, I fear, has passed the dear old year. 

That once was new and bright. 

But now has passed beneath the clouds of time. 

Mantled and concealed like the sun 

That passes from our sight; 

Time, time, how strange it seems — 

God's method and man's means. 

—49— 



THE WAYWARD MAN 



C ANTASTIC, fickle, false and grim. 
^ With aching brow and trembling limb. 
With nose that's red from drinking bear. 
And notions too so very queer — 
I call you from your slothful slum, 
And to prepare for things to come; 
With deep regret your course I scan 
Which marks you as the "Wayward Man." 

A man unstable m his ways 

Is but a slave through all his days; 

A servant and a slave is he 

To masters vile beyond degree; 

And thus each day in seeking gain 

He adds a link to Satan's chain; 

Words ne'er can tell in life's short span 

How wretched is the "Wayward Man." 

Most foolish creature of the day. 
When will you quit your evil way. 
And seek the path of "Grace and Truth," 
As taught by mother in your youth? 
While you have time repent and know 
That Jeseus loved you long ago; 
The grace of God provides a plan 
Whereby to save the "Wayward Man." 

The years art quickly gliding by. 
The time will come when you must die. 
And whether then prepared or no. 
You on to your reward must go 
Let me advise you, turn from sin, 
And now the better life begin ; 

—50— 



Seek Him in whom all life began, 

And let Him save the "Wayward Man. 

Before I close just let me say 
I, too, have known the evil way. 
And therefore from experience speak, 
As in the "Oracle" of this week; 
A warning voice I seek to be 
To all such men of low degree; 
Like you I once toward ruin ran. 
Till Jesus saved the "Wayward Man." 



A WARNING VOICE 



^^HE solemn doom of any man 

V^ Is not based on his can't or can. 

But on his will truth to receive. 

And on the Son of God believe; 

To all who trust His grace is given. 

That seals the soul for Christ and heaven. 

Believe m Jesus then, dear one, 

And Heaven on earth will have begun. 

But doubt His word, reject His grace. 

And you'll land in the other place; 

So let this simple word suffice. 

And act upon a friend's advice. 

Make Jesus here your friend in need. 

He will prove a friend indeed. 

He'll save your soul from every snare. 

And bring you to Himself up there; 

So now's the time, make Him your choice, 

And through eternity you'll rejoice. 

—51— 



LINES ON CHARLES LORNES EVERETT 

First born Son of Mr. and Mrs P. A. Conners. 



a LITTLE stranger has come to our home, 
We trust he has come to stay; 
He made the journey all alone, 
And arrived e'er the break of day. 

His mother was glad when the Doctor said, 
"It's a boy I've got for you," 
And the Parson smiled as he softly said, 
"I'm glad — he's a bouncer, too." 

He favors his dad, the people say. 
Though he hasn't a tooth in his head; 
He groans and grows the live-long day. 
And they feed him on milk without bread. 

We trust his life may be graciously spared 
To manifest Christ and His love — 
The life of the just to live before men. 
That leads to Heaven above. 



—52— 



WHO IS HE? 



^^HIS species IS a treacherous foe, 

Vw Who won't acknowledge he don't know, 

But Still pretends in underhand, 

And says, "That's so, I understand." 

His Ignorance he tries to hide. 

To cover up his stinking pride. 

He disgusts you and disgusts me. 

And all who have their eyes to see. 

For he is only a pretense. 

And never manifests good sense ; 

But still pretends all-wise to be. 

And says, "I know, that's true, I see." 

And if you're struggling with a task. 

He's sure to come around at last. 

And in a doleful tone will say, 

"If I had known yesterday 

I would have come to your relief. 

And saved you from this mental grief." 

And if he finds that you're in need. 
He for the poor begins to plead. 
And when the landlord asks his rent 
He never has a single cent; 
And if you speak of false pretense. 
He then will take up his defence. 

Sometimes he's zealous for the Church, 
And then again he's in (he lurch; 
And if you ask him for some money 



-53- 



He then will say, "It's mighty funny. 
For I have always been taught, 
Religion is free and can't be bought." 

This character is a common foe; 
You meet him everywhere you go. 
Sometimes in silks, sometimes in rags. 
Sometimes on foot, sometimes with nags; 
He's in the pulpit and in the pew, 
And who he is that's up to you. 

He's in the game and on the fence, 
And always pleads his own defence, 
He's in the home, and in the school. 
He's with the wise, and with the fool. 
He's in the store, and at the fair — 
In short, you'll find him everwhere. 

He's in the court at every call. 
To exercise his surplus gall; 
You'd think from his sanguine advice 
He was a saint from Paradise ; 
He plays his game with every rival. 
He is the offspring of the devil. 

Who is this creature so sedate. 
Up so early, and up so late. 
Assuming to be a saint of light. 
Yet in his heart as black as night; 
Against the Church his name ihey cry. 
What IS his name? Who is the guy? 



—54- 



HORSE SENSE? 



^7" HERE'S fine sense, and coarse 
Vi^ And sense of the sight. 
There's good sense and bad sense, 
And sense of the right. 

There's big sense and small sense. 
And sense in between. 
There's incense and nonsense. 
And sense that is seen. 

There's sense of the common. 
And sense of the rare. 
There's sense of the false, 
And sense of the fair. 

There's sense of the hearing. 
And sense of the touch; 
But when you say "Horse Sense," 
I know of no such. 



IOWA THE CORN STATE 

[Originally written for and recited at, a 
meeting of the Farmers' Institute held in the 
Court House, Cherokee, Iowa, Feb. 23, 1912.] 



yOU'RE a burxh of jolly Farmers, 
All from County Cherokee, 
Here assembled m the Court House, 
On this day of twenty-three ; 
And the science you're discussmg 
Is the agricultural brand. 
That you may know the better 
How to plow and till the land. 

God, in earth's great creation. 
Hath given to every State 
Its own peculiar treasure 
Of riches small or great; 
To one a mineral or a gem. 
In beauty to adorn. 
But to the State of Iowa 
He gave an ear of corn. 

And while in other States they find 

Their Gold and Silver bright. 

Or mines of Lead and Copper red. 

Or Coal as black as night; 

Yet here in dear old Iowa, 

With all her noble born. 

We have the soil of richest hue. 

And we can grow the corn. 

We plant it in the balmy spring. 
And till it in the sun. 
And in the harvest time we reap 
Five hundred ears for one; 

—56— 



And thus our riches are increased. 
All idleness we scorn. 
And give employment lo our sons 
In our great fields of Corn. 

Throughout this blessed land of ours. 

With all its wealth untold. 

We have m dear old Iowa 

The gem of living gold ; 

For as a Corn state she's the best. 

Her fields abundant yield — 

The glory of the middle west 

Is Iowa's great Corn field. 

Thus Iowa is a mighty State, 

In honor to her star. 

Her products too are rich and fine. 

Her fame has traveled far; 

Her sons and daughters too are fair. 

And rank among the great, 

But our old "Hawkeye " bears the name. 

Of being the Corn State. 

I thank you, one and all, indeed. 
For your most kind attention. 
And trust I'll have a chance to speak 
Again at your convention; 
So now a bow of honor, men. 
To your chairman a salute. 
You're a bunch of jolly farmers. 
At this Farmers' Institute. 



—57- 



DECORATION DAY 



' /^ OME East and West, come North and South, 
Vw Let us unite today 
In honor to our noble dead 
That He beneath the clay. 

But once a year, dear friends, we meet 

Our tribute thus to pay 

To our departed soldiers brave 

On "Decoration Day. " 

Strew flowers sweet upon the graves 
Of those who died to save 
This great republic from disgrace 
And liberate the slave. 

The bugle call, the muffled drum 
No more your peace molesting. 
Your toil and strife is at an end. 
And now you are sweetly resting. 

Sleep on, dear souls, your time has come. 
Your battles nobly fought; 
Your deeds immortal yet shall live 
When earth has come to naught. 

On fame's fair page, untarnished still. 
And evermore shall be. 
The name of Abraham Lincoln, 
Who set the black race free. 

A word to those who still remain. 
All honor due, v/e say. 
You are the noble of our land. 
This "Decoration Day. " 

—58— 



TO MAKE YOUR PASTOR STRONG 



^r ALK. your Pastor up each day 
V^ To those with whom you meet. 
And always reverence his name. 
At home or on the street; 
Let every member of the Church 
Be present each Lord's Day, 
The message of hfe to hear. 
Their precepts to obey. 

Pray your Pastor up each day. 
Your daily prayer he needs. 
That he may always walk the way 
In which the Spirit leads ; 
The exhortation m the Word 
Says, "Pray for one another," 
And as ye would have others do. 
Do ye so to your brother. 

Pay him up that he may have 

Wherewith his bills to meet. 

And at the end of every month 

May have a clear receipt; 

For Jesus in His Word hath said, 

As you may clearly see, 

1 hat as you do to those of mine, 

You do the same to Me. 



—59— 



THANKSGIVING 



Y^AITH grateful recognition 
^t\y For all Thy love and care. 
We lift to Thee our voices 
In praise and fervent Prayer; 
Thou art our God and Father, 
Our help in every need 
Through Jesus Christ our Saviour- 
His grace alone we plead. 

O make us truly thankful 
For all goodwill and cheer. 
And Thy continued mercy 
Throughout another year ; 
Thou hast for us provided 
Our every temporal need, 
And given us a Saviour 
For us to intercede. 

And now our thankful offering 
To Thee, our Lord, we bring. 
And falling down before Thee 
Proclaim Thee Priest and King; 
Do Thou still own and bless us, 
As Thou hast in the Past, 
And when our journey's ended 
Receive us home at last. 



-GO- 



WHY SHOULD I GIVE? 



VV^HY should I give to Heathen 
■Ca^ In far and distant lands. 
When there are those at home 
Who beg with outstretched hands? 

Why should I give to those 
Oulside my native State, 
When there are those within her bounds 
Whose needs are just as great? 

Why should I give to other burgs, 
When there are those you see 
Within the limits of our town 
Who need such charity? 

Why should I give around the town. 
When my own Church is there. 
With mortgage just coming due. 
Pastor's salary and repairs? 

Why should I give to my own Church, 
When those at home have need? 
Charity that begins at home 
Is charity indeed. 

Why should I give to those at home. 
When I myself have need? 
Because I am a Christian man. 
And not of heathen creed. 

Jesus gave Himself for me. 
The very reason why 
I should give myself to Him, 
And serve Him till I die. 

—61— 



HOW MUCH SHALL I GIVE THIS YEAR? 



3F I refuse to give this year 
To Missions, one and all. 
Then I have really cast my vote 
In favor of recall. 

If I give less than former years. 
Then I am subjugatmg 
The ranks of those as gospel heralds 
Who are His word relating. 

If I give just the same this year 
As I have given before. 
That means I favor no advance 
To work done heretofore. 

Forgetting that the Lord hath said 
To all that He doth call. 
Go give the blessed word of life 
To nations one and all. 

But if I do increase my gift. 
Then I have made it clear 
That I do favor advancement in 
The mission fields this year. 

This is the best of evidence. 
In view of such condition. 
That I do seek to carry out 
The terms of His commission. 



—62— 



"MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN 
TO RECEIVE" 

'/'^T IS more blessed to give," said the Master, 
-%• Though the gift may be precious and rare. 
Than it IS to receive from the giver. 
Though the giver be ever so fair. 

God gave an example of giving. 
In that His own Son He did give. 
Who died on the Cross to redeem us 
That sinners forever might live. 

If God loved poor sinners so freely. 
His "Only Begotten" to give. 
Then should we not love Him sincerely, 
And for His own glory to live. 

According as God then hath prospered. 
So let us our gifts then present, 
And give with a heart ever cheerful, 
A mind and a will more intent. 

As ye have received from the Master, 
So doth He expect you to do ; 
If you hold from Him in your giving. 
He'll withhold His blessing from you. 

So give and to you shall be given 

In blessings abundantly more. 

And you shall have treasures in Heaven 

More precious than earthly store. 



—63- 



TITHING 

Mai. 3:10 



W^ ILL men rob God of earthly store, 
■^.-C^ Their tithes from Him withholding? 
\Vho doth supply their every want. 
In life to them unfolding. 

With joyful hearts we'll hail the day. 
With gladsome voice we'll sing, 
When all the tithes of Christ the Lord 
To His storehouse we bring. 

So let us now for Christ our King 
This very work begin, 
Out of what God has given us, 
1 o give to Him again. 

A tithe is small, a tenth is all. 
Of all God gives to you. 
Why call me Lord, and do not do 
What I command you to. 

Not unto them that say, "Lord, Lord," 
Is Christ's blest promise given. 
But those who seek His will to do 
Shall find a home in Heaven. 



-64- 



THE LAYMEN'S MISSION PLAN 

/^ NLIST the Laymen in the fight, 

\6^ Unite your forces all, 

That all departments of the Church 

May rally to the call; 

The every-member canvass. 

And the every-member pay. 

Will bring to light and life in Christ 

A nation in a day. 

The Mission of ihe Church of Christ 
In His own Word is given, 
Including those of every race 
And nation under Heaven ; 
To this end Jesus gave Himself, 
A sacrifice for sin. 
And now He is of life the door 
By which we enter in. 

Vast millions yet in darkness grope 
Through sin and superstition. 
Because that we have not fulfilled 
1 he terms of His Commission ; 
We've failed to give as we've received. 
Or as the Lord hath prospered. 
And thus the sm of robbing God 
Within the Church is fostered. 

Let us endeavor thus to bring 
Within this generation. 
The Gospel of our living head. 
To every heathen nation ; 



—65— 



And so to this end we have launched, 
"The Laymen's Mission Movement," 
For we can do it if we will. 
And now we're going to prove it. 

[Dedicated to llev. W. T. Stackhouse, D. D., 
Secretary of "The Baptist Laymen's Mission- 
arv Movement," 23 East 26th Street, New- 
York City.] 



OUR COUNTRY 



r^T OD bless our Country, 
Vy Land of the noble free, 
Of thee we sing. 
Land of all lands above, 
This tribute of our love 
To thee we bring. 

Long may our people be 
From vice and crime kept free. 
Upright and true; 
And on her flag unfurled, 
"Justice to all the world," 
Red, white and blue. 

O may we ever be 

Kept loyal and true to thee. 

Firm to the end; 

Then shall we do the right 

In Heaven's Holy might, 

Jesus our Friend. 



-66— 



ACCEPT THE GIFT WE BRING 



0UR LORD, to Thee we gladly brim 
This tribute of our love, 
And from our hearts we gladly sing 
The name of names above ; 
Do Thou our tribute own and bless. 
And crown our labors with success. 

Make us to know Thy Holy will. 

And strive each day to live 

That we may have Thy presence still. 

And for Thee freely give; 

So may we live each day and know 

Thy blessings as we onward go. 

Speak, Lord, and bid our troubles cease, 

And set Thy people free. 

That all may have the blessed peace 

That comes through trusting Thee; 

And may Thy Spirit ever guide 

Us onward, upward to Thy side. 

Continue on Thy blessings. Lord, 
Though faithless we have been ; 
"Give us each day our daily bread," 
And feed the life within ; 
And when our lives on earth shall cease. 
Receive us to Thyself in peace. 



—67— 



IN MEMORY OF R. H. COOPER 

Holbrook, Neb., who died May 12, 1911. 



^|~HERE lies before us here today 
V^ A form we oft have met; 
Although his body silent lies. 
His Spirit liveth yet. 

A Father kind, a Husband true, 
Is called from earth away ; 
His Spirit gone to meet his God, 
His body turns to clay. 

We say farewell, but not for long. 
For soon we too must go; 
rhe time allotted man is short. 
For God has made it so. 

We meet and speak, and then pass on. 
And life seems but a dream ; 
We who are here in life today 
Will soon ne'ermore be seen. 

But, thanks to God, there is a place 
To which we all may go. 
Where sorrow ne'er can enter in. 
And all are white as snow. 

The sad farewell must come to all. 
We know not when t'will be, 
So let us here improve the time. 
If we His face would see. 

The lives we live, the deeds we do, 
Are in life's book recorded. 



-68- 



And on the resurrection morn 
We'll surely be rewarded. 

God loves us all, indeed so much 
That He His Son did give, 
A sacrifice for sinful man. 
That we with Him might live. 

A word to those who mourn the loss 
Of him who's gone before — 
Look up, dear souls, you yet may meet 
Him on the other shore. 

A word to all ; our time is short. 

We should be friends together. 

That when we're called from earth away 

We may be friends forever. 



IN LOVING MEMORY OF MRS. JOHNNIE 
BURGESS 

[Who died March 30, 1912.] 



a WIFE and Mother kind is gone, 
A friend we loved to meet ; 
A week ago her voice was heard 
Like music soft and sweet; 
But now from us she's called away. 
Forever with her Lord to stay. 

O Kittie dear, we miss you here. 
The place seems lone without you, 
For what is home without the cheer 

— C9— 



Of loved ones all about you ; 

And O the thought is hard to bear, 

A vacant place, an empty chair. 

'Tis hard with loved ones thus to part. 

And think of meeting never. 

But not so hard when this we know. 

We'll meet beyond the River; 

And so dear Kittie has gone to wear 

A crown with Jesus over there. 

And O we would not call her back. 
The one we loved so dear. 
But only that she had been spared 
Longer with us here; 
So help us. Lord, our souls prepare, 
1 o meet our Kittie over there. 

Help us our Father here to live 

And toil in love together, 

That when we're called from earth away, 

With all on earth to sever. 

It may ours be thy joys to share. 

And meet our loved ones over there. 

God bless the precious little ones. 
That Thou in love hast given — • 
The Father, and all friends that mourn 
V or her who's gone to Heaven ; 
Protect and keep from sin and pain. 
And bring them all to meet again. 



—70- 



IN MEMORY OF R. J. ELLIOTT 

[Who died April, 1900.] 



0NE precious to our hearts is gone. 
His voice forever stilled. 
The vacant place made in the home 
Will never more be filled. 

Far away from home he died. 
In Georgia's sunny State, 
A message to his brother came 
The sad news to relate. 

Among those left to mourn the loss — 
A Father and a Mother mild, 
Sisters four, and Brothers three. 
A Wife and little child. 

But God who doeth all things well. 
And who alone is kind, 
Hath called him home to his reward. 
And left us all behind. 

Let us not weep for him who's gone. 
As those who have no hope. 
But let us rather reflect upon 
Those gentle words he spoke. 

Meet me in heaven above, dear ones. 
Where sorrow cannot enter. 
And round the throne of love we'll sins 
With Christ Himself the center. 

Weep not for me when I am gone. 
As though I wailed in sorrow. 



For now I see Heaven's dawn, 
And I'll be there tomorrow. 

Alas, farewell ! My time has come. 
My Wife and girl of seven. 
Farewell dear Wife and little one, 
Meet me again in Heaven. 



IN MEMORY OF HAROLD GATES 

[Infant son of Mr. and Mrs Will Gates, 
who died March 17, 1912.] 



0UR little Harold lies silent, 
His voice forever stilled. 
The vacant place made in our hearts, 
Will never more be filled; 
He has passed beyond life's troubles, 
Safe from sin's seductive snare. 
And he'll never know earth's sorrows. 
He is safe at home up there. 

Now his trundle bed is empty. 
And he's missing from his chair. 
His little life has vanished. 
But he's living yet somewhere; 
He has heard the voice of Jesus 
In accents soft and low. 
And is now within the Mansion, 
Where their robes are white as snow. 

He IS safe at home with Jesus, 
In that land of pure delight. 
With the blessed ones forever. 
In his robes of snowy white ; 
And no sorrow now can reach him, 
—72— 



He has passed beyond sin's snare. 
And we'll go some day to meet him. 
There will be no parting there. 

Will we ever know the reason 

Why so many I horns and briars 

Lie along life's lonely pathway, 

"Why so few have life's sweet flowers? 

Why so many hearts are aching, 

By the pangs of sin are torn. 

Why the sun of Hfe is seting 

In the dawn of life's sweet morn. 

Will we know in life's short season 
Why in sorrow thus we're met. 
Why our little Harold was taken. 
Why he's not here with us yet? 
And the voice of Angels echoes 
Back from Heaven's border land — 
Some day you'll know the reason. 
Sometime you'll unders'.and. 

When our journey here is ended. 
And we've reached the golden strand, 
And the mists of life have vanished. 
And we've joined that Holy band. 
Then we'll understand the reason 
Why from us our babe was torn. 
And we'll read life's sacred story 
On that bright and happy morn. 

Then we'll join the Angel chorus 

In that land of pure delight. 

With the white-robed throng in Glory. 

Sing in Heaven's Holy light; 

In the blessed songs of Jesus, 

On that Holy, happy shore. 

And with Jesus and our loved ones, 

\X e'll rejoice forevermore. 



IN MEMORY OF WARREN F. BARNES 

I Who died at Clieidkee, Iowa, Jan. 31, 1912. J 



aNOTHER of cur Soldiers brave 
Is called from ear h away, 
His spirit gone to meet his God, 
His body turns to clay. 

Long years of service he has seen 
On life's great bat::lefield. 
And now at length has come the call 
1 o which we all must yield. 

No more the bugle call he'll hear. 
His spirit has ascended, 
His final battle he has fought. 
His weary march is ended. 

All honor to the parted dead. 
From earth and friends he's riven ; 
His body here lies cold in death. 
His soul, we trust, m Heaven. 

To (hose his "Comrades " who reman. 
This blessed hope is given. 
That when your journey here is o'er 
You may meet him in Heaven. 

A word to those who mourn the loss, 
Ard fainting 'neath the rod — 
Look up above the things of time. 
Your comfort is in God. L 14 1 // 

Your Father is not dead, dear souls. 
He's only gone before. 
And you may meet him over there 
On that celes'ial shore. 

_7^_ 



OCT 2 1912 




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